bullfinch

1
[ boo l-finch ]
/ ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

a European finch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula, often kept as a pet, the male of which has a black, white, and bluish-gray back and a rosy breast.
any of several related or similar birds.

Origin of bullfinch

1
1560–70; bull1 (perhaps in sense “bull-necked”) + finch

Words nearby bullfinch

bulletin board, bulletproof, bulletwood, bullfight, bullfighter, bullfinch, bullfrog, bullhead, bullhead rail, bullheaded, bullhorn

Definition for bullfinch (2 of 2)

bullfinch 2
[ boo l-finch ]
/ ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

a hedge high enough to impede mounted hunters.

Origin of bullfinch

2
First recorded in 1825–35; of uncertain origin

Example sentences from the Web for bullfinch

British Dictionary definitions for bullfinch (1 of 2)

bullfinch 1
/ (ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ) /

noun

a common European finch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula : the male has a bright red throat and breast, black crown, wings, and tail, and a grey-and-white back
any of various similar finches

Word Origin for bullfinch

C14: see bull 1, finch; probably so called from its stocky shape and thick neck

British Dictionary definitions for bullfinch (2 of 2)

bullfinch 2
/ (ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ) /

noun

British a high thick hedge too difficult for a horse and rider to jump

Word Origin for bullfinch

C19: perhaps changed from the phrase bull fence